What do you think?
Rate this book
Covered in Color: Christo and Jeanne-Claude's Fabrics of Freedom
A vibrantly illustrated biography about visionary artist Christo, encouraging creativity, perseverance, and appreciating the beauty all around usChristo (1935–2020) and Jeanne-Claude (1935–2009) are renowned for their large-scale, ambitious art installations that wrapped landmarks and swaths of land in fabric, including Berlin’s Wrapped Reichstag, Paris’s The Pont Neuf Wrapped, and concluding with New York City’s The Gates in Central Park (2005).
This lively biography chronicles Christo's humble childhood in Soviet-controlled Bulgaria—under a regime that suppressed individuality and creativity—to his international fame as a bold (and controversial) innovator in the art world. Christo discovered an early love of art and found a way to make a living out of his passion by wrapping bottles, cans, stacks of magazines, and even an air conditioner. When he met his wife, Jeanne-Claude, they moved to New York City as undocumented immigrants and became equal partners in both life and work—he, the artist, and she, the dealmaker.
Together, Christo and Jeanne-Claude made elaborate, visually stunning installations that transformed public spaces around the world, all free to the public. Christo never explained why he felt compelled to wrap things in fabric—rather, his work celebrated individual interpretation and the simple joy of seeing something familiar in a new way. And though each work was temporary, their awe-inspiring designs, uniting nature with the manmade, stayed with viewers long afterward. Covered in Color inspires readers to appreciate the beauty around us, however fleeting, and to push the boundaries of "possible."
This lively biography chronicles Christo's humble childhood in Soviet-controlled Bulgaria—under a regime that suppressed individuality and creativity—to his international fame as a bold (and controversial) innovator in the art world. Christo discovered an early love of art and found a way to make a living out of his passion by wrapping bottles, cans, stacks of magazines, and even an air conditioner. When he met his wife, Jeanne-Claude, they moved to New York City as undocumented immigrants and became equal partners in both life and work—he, the artist, and she, the dealmaker.
Together, Christo and Jeanne-Claude made elaborate, visually stunning installations that transformed public spaces around the world, all free to the public. Christo never explained why he felt compelled to wrap things in fabric—rather, his work celebrated individual interpretation and the simple joy of seeing something familiar in a new way. And though each work was temporary, their awe-inspiring designs, uniting nature with the manmade, stayed with viewers long afterward. Covered in Color inspires readers to appreciate the beauty around us, however fleeting, and to push the boundaries of "possible."
48 pages, Hardcover
Published August 16, 2022
43 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Read
December 29, 2022I heard about and saw pictures and videos of what Christo had done in the 80s when I was beginning to become interested in modern art, and his incredible sweeping installations that sometimes took years to make happen left me in awe knowing that part of the beauty of them was that they were temporary. This kids’ biography was, as always, the perfect nuggets of pertinent information to quickly fill in my understanding of who the artist is and how his childhood and young adulthood are tied directly to what he accomplished in the art scene. Also, back in the day that I heard about him, I don’t even remember knowing that his wife Jeanne- Claude was involved, so I’m glad this book remedied that. This makes me want to research their work to become more familiar with the pieces I’ve never heard of.
February 2, 2023
What a splendidly breathtaking book! The colorful and energetic illustrations immediately captured my attention! Susana Chapman's illustration really represented the creativity, brilliance, and movement Christo and Jeanne-Claude's work represents. Author Elisa Boxer's words are beautifully composed, sharing just enough about Christo's dark childhood, how he met his love and partner Jeanne, to their lifelong dream to drape and wrap the world in color for everyone to see. This book is a great conversational starter about what art can inspire, the social and political ideas it represents and what it takes to make such a splash in the world!
December 4, 2022
Children, especially those interested in art, will be attracted to this very colorful biography of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The information about their lives and work reveals much about how they began their art installations. The illustrations do justice to their work; they are very bright, colorful and vivid. The double page spreads give a feel for the immense size of their art installations. The book includes an author's note, an artist's note, list of notes as well as a list of selected sources which will be helpful for those who wish to know more.
November 16, 2022
Beautiful, colorful, inspiring!
March 6, 2023
Covered in Color: Christo & Jeanne-Claude's Fabrics of Freedom
by Elisa Boxer, illustrated by Susanna Chapman
Although the idea for this book is a worthy one -- introducing young children to the art work of Christo and his wife, Jeanne-Claude -- as a picture book it fails, because it does not take into account the knowledge level of the child for whom it is written. Instead, the text reads like a virtue-signalling treatise for the parent who is reading the book aloud, while the pictures are aimed at the child. On the second page of text, the author introduces World War 2, Nazis, and Bulgaria, without explaining what any of them are. The reasons for why Christo's parents felt they had to burn their books are very vaguely referenced, and several pages later, the reader and her child learn that Communists were also very bad people, without any explanation of who they were.
For this age group, wouldn't it be better to simply say something like "The new government did not allow people to have books that were colorful, and his parents were afraid of getting into trouble, so they burned the books". Or, alternatively, explain who the Nazis and Communists were in a way that a kid could understand, if the author feels that is absolutely necessary.
The book appears to represent a big virtue-signal exercise aimed at parents, and possibly at children who are older than picture-book readers.
With the concepts that the book covers, it should have been aimed at older readers and had actual photographs of Christo's famous works, instead of just cartoony-looking drawings.
The Author's Note is also aimed at older readers, and provides more appropriate information about the artist and what he was trying to achieve. But it will have a hard time finding an audience in the under-10-year-old set, outside of a child who is assigned by a teacher to read a biography of Christo.
by Elisa Boxer, illustrated by Susanna Chapman
Although the idea for this book is a worthy one -- introducing young children to the art work of Christo and his wife, Jeanne-Claude -- as a picture book it fails, because it does not take into account the knowledge level of the child for whom it is written. Instead, the text reads like a virtue-signalling treatise for the parent who is reading the book aloud, while the pictures are aimed at the child. On the second page of text, the author introduces World War 2, Nazis, and Bulgaria, without explaining what any of them are. The reasons for why Christo's parents felt they had to burn their books are very vaguely referenced, and several pages later, the reader and her child learn that Communists were also very bad people, without any explanation of who they were.
For this age group, wouldn't it be better to simply say something like "The new government did not allow people to have books that were colorful, and his parents were afraid of getting into trouble, so they burned the books". Or, alternatively, explain who the Nazis and Communists were in a way that a kid could understand, if the author feels that is absolutely necessary.
The book appears to represent a big virtue-signal exercise aimed at parents, and possibly at children who are older than picture-book readers.
With the concepts that the book covers, it should have been aimed at older readers and had actual photographs of Christo's famous works, instead of just cartoony-looking drawings.
The Author's Note is also aimed at older readers, and provides more appropriate information about the artist and what he was trying to achieve. But it will have a hard time finding an audience in the under-10-year-old set, outside of a child who is assigned by a teacher to read a biography of Christo.
February 27, 2024
Cristo lived in Bulgaria as a boy during World War II. The Nazis came and burned all his colorful books that inspired him. After the war he enrolled in art school, but his communist country still controlled even his creativity and only encouraged propaganda art that made their government look good. When Cristo was 21 years old, he hid in a boxcar so he could travel to France, where he could be honest with his art.
While in France he made money painting portraits of people and practicing his art on his free time. Soon he met Jeanne-Claude with flame-colored hair and they fell in love. Then they decided to start their new live in the United States, in Manhattan, where they continued to try out new mediums.
Eventually they were able to talk some officials in Switzerland to allow them to wrap the museum Hamberger Kunsthalle in 26 thousand square feet of fabric and 2 miles of rope. They have wrapped buildings in Chicago, Berlin, the shoreline in Australia, 11 islands east of Miami, they placed 3,000 yellow and blue umbrellas in California and Japan, and 23 miles of orange flags in Central Park in New York. Their art was not the kind of art that lasts long but it made a huge impact while it was there an that is why it was so important to Cristo and Jeanne-Claude.
Covered in Color Cristo and Jeanne-Claude’s Fabrics of Freedom by Eliza Boxer is a beautiful book to look at while it shares a real story in history. The honest writing style is easy to understand and the colorful illustrations by Susanna Chapman are engaging, yet not intimidating, even with some difficult topics. I really enjoyed this book.
While in France he made money painting portraits of people and practicing his art on his free time. Soon he met Jeanne-Claude with flame-colored hair and they fell in love. Then they decided to start their new live in the United States, in Manhattan, where they continued to try out new mediums.
Eventually they were able to talk some officials in Switzerland to allow them to wrap the museum Hamberger Kunsthalle in 26 thousand square feet of fabric and 2 miles of rope. They have wrapped buildings in Chicago, Berlin, the shoreline in Australia, 11 islands east of Miami, they placed 3,000 yellow and blue umbrellas in California and Japan, and 23 miles of orange flags in Central Park in New York. Their art was not the kind of art that lasts long but it made a huge impact while it was there an that is why it was so important to Cristo and Jeanne-Claude.
Covered in Color Cristo and Jeanne-Claude’s Fabrics of Freedom by Eliza Boxer is a beautiful book to look at while it shares a real story in history. The honest writing style is easy to understand and the colorful illustrations by Susanna Chapman are engaging, yet not intimidating, even with some difficult topics. I really enjoyed this book.
November 7, 2022
With text and images as striking and original as the art installations for which they are famous, this picture book biography--a 3.5 for me--describes the careers of Christo and Jeanne-Claude and their unique partnership. Christo was inspired by historical events occurring during his formative years and the need to use inexpensive materials for his sculptures. Eventually, they teamed together in massive projects in which they envisioned wrapping buildings, a coastline in Australia, islands near the tip of Florida, and even placing thousands of umbrellas in Japan and California. But perhaps the project dearest to them was The Gates in Central Park, bright saffron-colored fabric hung from steel poles. Permission for this project took several years and much effort, and typified Christo's artistic vision, allowing viewers to interpret the work however they pleased and also denoting the transitory nature of art since the installations were only displayed briefly before being dismantled and recycled. Created with watercolor, gouache, pastels, markers, and Photoshop, the illustrations capture the exuberance of this creative couple and their wild imaginations as well as how important it is not to let others define art or anything else for you. The facial expressions of Christo and Jeanne-Claude are simply delightful as are the installations they dreamed up. Suffice it to say that the art world will never be the same, thanks to them.
March 6, 2023
How can covering something up with fabric be considered art?
Meet Christo Vladamirov Javacheff, a Bulgarian born-artist whose world was taken over by Nazis and then Communist regime in the Soviet Union.
How did he discover or find his joy with this fluid art form?
When and how did he meet his wife Jeanne-Claude Denat de Gullebon?
Can you see their artwork? Only in pictures and online, but one of the most iconic of their works is "The Gates" which was a 26 year-in-the making piece in New York's Central Park, possibly representing the family destroying Russian books to avoid discovery by the Nazis. Perhaps they represent the flames in the grate as young Christo watched.
Discover a new art form, follow your heart with art and it will lead you to freedom.
Beautifully written book and annotation by Elisa Boxer and simply illustrated in multiple medium styles by Susanna Chapman. The back of the book does include some photographs of famous arts by this couple.
Meet Christo Vladamirov Javacheff, a Bulgarian born-artist whose world was taken over by Nazis and then Communist regime in the Soviet Union.
How did he discover or find his joy with this fluid art form?
When and how did he meet his wife Jeanne-Claude Denat de Gullebon?
Can you see their artwork? Only in pictures and online, but one of the most iconic of their works is "The Gates" which was a 26 year-in-the making piece in New York's Central Park, possibly representing the family destroying Russian books to avoid discovery by the Nazis. Perhaps they represent the flames in the grate as young Christo watched.
Discover a new art form, follow your heart with art and it will lead you to freedom.
Beautifully written book and annotation by Elisa Boxer and simply illustrated in multiple medium styles by Susanna Chapman. The back of the book does include some photographs of famous arts by this couple.
November 6, 2022
4 stars (I really liked it).
So I had never heard of this artist before reading the book. I also do not get at all why wrapping buildings is a thing. The art installation with the umbrellas and the Gates I get but not the building wrapping (I almost wonder if it's an autistic thing). But I think that the book was really good in that it left me wondering and wanting to learn more about the artist. As many picture book biographies are, it was a bit wordy and long. Some pages definitely waxed poetic. But overall, it delivered an interesting story.
So I had never heard of this artist before reading the book. I also do not get at all why wrapping buildings is a thing. The art installation with the umbrellas and the Gates I get but not the building wrapping (I almost wonder if it's an autistic thing). But I think that the book was really good in that it left me wondering and wanting to learn more about the artist. As many picture book biographies are, it was a bit wordy and long. Some pages definitely waxed poetic. But overall, it delivered an interesting story.
January 24, 2023
Great introduction for young (and old) readers to the groundbreaking art of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The story is beautifully written and illustrated. I also love that it provides enough background and context about Christo's early life dealing with Nazis and Communists to really see why Christo wanted to make large-scale art for everyone. This is a fantastic jumping off point for discussions about Christo and Jeanne-Claude's art, how art can be political or social commentary, and what it means to be called art.
February 2, 2023
COVERED IN COLOR by @boxerelisa and @snooooooooooze is a perfect #picturebook #read for me on this dreary winter day. This vibrantly told #pbbiography tells the story of Christo, a Bulgarian-born artist who lived through Nazi invasions and communist regimes before escaping to the West where he could finally share his bold, expressive art pieces (think wrapping part of the Australian coastline in fabric!). This book is stunning both visually and in storytelling and would make a great addition to libraries and especially #art classrooms. #read #kidslit
March 8, 2023
This is such a bold and beautiful book by Elisa Boxer, expertly illustrated by Susanna Chapman. The idea of dousing the world in color and making it a more beautiful place -- even fleetingly -- is such a powerful idea, especially when contrasted with the dark, drab colors of totalitarian regimes. Young readers will appreciate new ways of making art using fabric and yarn to cover everyday objects.
January 5, 2023
What a gorgeous and inspiring book about artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude! This beautifully written non-fiction story that follows the artists from childhood to their triumphant installation of orange flags through Central Park. Susanna Chapman’s gorgeous illustrations are filled with colors that bring the story to life. A wonderful story of inspiration, freedom, creativity, and perseverance.
January 5, 2023
I was surprised that this book didn't mention the project or documentary Running Fence, which were both done in the 1970s. However, it was nice to see an attempt to "cover" Christo in a children's picture book.
May 11, 2023
A fascinating look at the fabric wrapped art of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Engaging and thought-provoking for which the detailed author's note provides some answers. I would haven loved to have seen some of these installations to truly feel them.
September 2, 2023
This book is a fabulous addition to any library to help students and adults alike consider, What is art? The story could have been better told but the illustrations really shine. The authors note and additional sources are worthy supplements. Recommended!
February 1, 2024
As a Bulgarian, it’s exciting that this book exists. It’s also beautiful. Unfortunately, the text is not at all geared toward the age that would typically read a picture book - it’s full of complex words and also concepts that are not explained or easy to explain to a small child.
July 6, 2022
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
August 19, 2022
Lovely story about two artists. The illustrations were gorgeous. And it was an interesting story about artists who aren't painters - which I feel we have an abundance of in kid lit
Want to read
August 24, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
September 15, 2022
Such a beautiful picture book biography! I loved the inspirational story and gorgeous illustrations. An unusual perspective about temporary art. Fascinating!
October 11, 2022
Fascinating and inspiring.
October 18, 2022
I'm familar with the work of Christo. I was not familar with his childhood and
his passion.
his passion.
May 2, 2023
Thinking Day 2023--Germany
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews